His college had no placements | Journey from making 7K per to 2Lakh per month as Software Engineer

TL;DR

Sarwar shares his journey from struggling after college to a successful remote job.

Transcript

I gave the JEE exam. And my rank was more than 10,00,000+ So, I was actually counting how many zeros it had on it. You have the first option as on campus placements you have to appear in the on campus placements and then you get placed. But we didn't have that system with us means the placement was NIL. No companies which means none of the companie... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍💻 Sarwar's journey highlights the importance of foundational education and proper guidance in the tech industry.
• 🥺 Poor college placement opportunities can lead to significant challenges for graduates transitioning into the job market.
• ❓ A focus on practical skills over theoretical knowledge can significantly improve job prospects for aspiring developers.
• 👻 Remote work culture promotes flexibility and creativity, allowing professionals to optimize productivity.
• ❓ Mentorship programs can provide critical support for navigating career transitions and skill enhancements.
• 🧑‍💻 Continuous learning and adapting to market needs are vital for career growth in the tech field.
• 🤗 Networking and leveraging personal connections can open doors to better job opportunities.

Questions & Answers

Q: What motivated Sarwar to pursue a career in coding?

Sarwar's interest in coding began during his schooling at Sainik School, where he first experienced computers. He initially played games and explored modifying game files, which sparked his curiosity about programming and propelled him to choose computer science as his major in high school.

Q: How did Sarwar feel about the JEE exam and its outcome?

Sarwar's experience with the JEE exam was disappointing, as he received a rank over 10,00,000. He realized that consistent performance in subjects beyond coding was crucial and felt regretful about his poor preparation, which impacted his college admission prospects and future opportunities.

Q: What challenges did Sarwar face in his college experience?

Sarwar faced significant challenges in college, including a lack of effective faculty and a failure to engage in substantial coding practices. Despite being in a computer science program, he found that the labs were merely formalities, and proper coding skills were not cultivated.

Q: How did Sarwar transition from his first job to a better opportunity?

After feeling stagnated in his first job, Sarwar sought advice from friends and attended a career accelerator program, which helped him enhance his skills. With mentorship and guidance, he focused on computer fundamentals and practical coding experiences, ultimately landing interviews that led to a better position.

Q: How does Sarwar perceive the difference between a regular job and remote work?

Sarwar believes remote work offers more flexibility compared to a traditional 9-5 job. He highlighted how the ability to manage his schedule according to productivity peaks fosters creativity, enabling him to approach challenges with a clear, relaxed mindset, unlike the rigid structure of office hours.

Q: What did Sarwar learn about coding during his mentorship program?

In the mentorship program, Sarwar learned the importance of understanding fundamental coding concepts and not just syntax. He realized that knowledge of basics was essential for a developer to communicate effectively and problem-solve in a professional context.

Q: How did Sarwar's salary evolve throughout his career?

Sarwar started with a low salary of around 7,000-8,000 per month in his first job. After acquiring new skills and transitioning to a remote job, he was able to significantly increase his salary to over 25 LPA, illustrating the potential for growth through continuous learning and adaptation.

Q: What advice does Sarwar give to aspiring developers regarding job searches?

Sarwar advises aspiring developers to focus on building a solid foundation in programming principles rather than just memorizing algorithms. He emphasizes the importance of practical experience and seeking out mentorship to enhance employability in a competitive job market.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Sarwar's educational journey began with a poor JEE rank, leading to a college with no placement opportunities and minimal coding experience.

• After graduating without a job, he started working as a junior developer with a low salary but later felt stagnant in his career.

• Transitioning to a remote job through a mentorship program allowed him to enhance his skills and significantly increase his salary.